Most college students juggle work with school, and CUNY students are certainly no exception. As the semester progresses, and the holiday season eases upon us all, local companies are hiring more than ever to get through the holiday rush. And, let’s face it—for BMCC students, earning a little extra money this time of year is quite beneficial.BMCC’s Center for Career Development, Office of Student Affairs, and ASAP program teamed up to host this season’s Fair in the college gymnasium.

Companies seeking part-time employees set up booths, and hiring managers met with BMCC’s job-hunting students, all dressed in business attire.

Many students engaged in practice interview sessions with staffers from the Office of Career Development before attending the Career Fair.

Linking with LinkedIn

At the Retail and Holiday Recruitment Expo, The Center for Career Development introduced students to the importance of creating a profile on the professional social networking Web site LinkedIn.

Career Advisor Juli-Ann Brockway explains: “While students were dressed to impress to meet with recruiters, we invited them to have their picture taken at our LinkedIn Photo Booth and gave them a check list on how to build a strong career profile.”

According to Brockway, students interested in learning how to utilize social media in their job search may register to attend The Center for Career Development’s weekly career development workshop: "Using Social Networking to Maximize Your Job Opportunities and Career." They can also search for jobs online using the “Career Express,” program.

More than 7,000 BMCC students have activated their LinkedIn accounts prior to attending the Fair.

Hiring hunt

“We doubled the number of employers who attended the Retail and Holiday Career Expo this year from 26 to 52,” says Melba Olmeda, Director, Center for Career Development.

Companies in attendance included Century 21, Best Buy, Bloomingdale's, Boy Scouts of America and more.

Kendell Minns, an HR Generalist at IKEA Brooklyn, had a busy recruitment table.

“We’ve been at BMCC’s Career Fair before and always meet hard-working students who ask valuable questions such as job specifics,” he says.According to Minn’s, IKEA is hiring for entry-level jobs, which include stock and cashier.

“The business and employees grow together and we support our co-workers, which reflects in our store’s vibe and energy,” he says. “Plus, you can take the Water Taxi to our Red Hook location, and no longer have to take a bus to New Jersey to visit an Ikea Showroom.”Recruiters Ali Nasir and Amy Rose represented department store Century 21.

“You can work at the downtown location between classes—many employees do,” says Nasir, adding, “we’ve hired from BMCC Career Fairs before with great results. Our goal is for you to grow with the company—we’re starting to get busy this peak time of year.”Rose adds: “We are seeking people who are friendly and can multi-task, and have a variety of jobs available at Century 21, from cashier to beauty advisor.”Esperanza Guzman, who works in HR for DÁgostino supermarket chain, said the BMCC students she met were “friendly and smiling”.

“Some even left me their schedules so they can start working immediately,” she said. “I’m going to try to place them at various locations soon.”

First-timers stop by

More than 700 BMCC students attended this semester’s Fair; some were repeat students, and some had never attended a Career Fair before.

Business Administration major and ASAP student Arshi Arif was a new attendee.

“I’ve had office internships outside the US and some companies here, such as T-Mobile and Armani Exchange, caught my eye today,” she says. “Events like this reflect how much the college cares about its students by offering job opportunities and interview practice sessions.”

She adds: “Students should take advantage of everything ASAP and the Office of Career Development has to offer, so we can graduate with skills we need to move ahead in the job world.”